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Formula One extends Sao Paulo contract to 2035
Formula One will keep the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos until 2035 after agreeing a five-year contract extension, taking the race beyond its previous 2030 end date. The deal secures the championship’s only South American round and continues a long-running event at a circuit known for defining moments in the sport.
Interlagos first hosted a world championship race in 1973 and has staged landmark wins by Ayrton Senna, Kimi Räikkönen and Lewis Hamilton. São Paulo says the race brings substantial economic activity: the mayor estimated this week’s event would move about 2.3 billion reais, or US$417.78 million, through the local economy. The city plans significant investments to improve the fan experience, and tickets sold out despite capacity rising by 7,000 seats.
In short
- Interlagos will host Formula One through 2035.
- São Paulo’s race is the championship’s only South American round.
- The mayor estimates this week’s event will generate 2.3 billion reais in local activity.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping the race at Interlagos protects Formula One’s only South American round and preserves a circuit with deep sporting history and a passionate audience. The sold-out event and city’s estimate of substantial economic activity suggest the extension can support local businesses while giving the city a reason to invest in the fan experience.
The case against
A long extension may commit Formula One and São Paulo to substantial costs and opportunity costs, especially if projected economic benefits do not translate into lasting gains for residents and local businesses. Critics could also argue that the city should weigh those investments against other public priorities and retain flexibility to reassess the race’s value over time.